Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Sheikh Mohammad Mashouk al-Khaznawi dies of torture

The Kurdish community is shocked and saddened by the horrible and senseless murder of Sheikh Mohammad Mashouk al-Khaznawi. This is a tragic day for the Kurdish community, and our thoughts and prayers goes out to the victim, his family and the Kurdish people in West-Kurdistan. The sheikh was widely popular in Syrian Kurdistan and Syria, and was known for teaching that Islam and democracy are compatible. Sheik Knaznawi will be deeply missed. The bravery by his words about freedom of speech and religion will never be forgotten.